The start of training camp is about much more than roster battles. For the Minnesota Vikings, the next few weeks will determine whether this team is ready to take the next step in 2026.
Every position group enters camp with at least one important question to answer, whether it’s a young player proving he belongs, a veteran returning from injury, or a competition that could reshape the depth chart. After taking a look at the offense, here’s the one thing every defensive position must prove before the regular season begins.
DT: Are the rookies ready?
The Vikings overhauled their defensive tackle room in the past offseason. Veteran starters and former Pro Bowlers Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were released after just one season. A few weeks later, the club invested a first-rounder and a third-rounder to fill the gaps.
Caleb Banks, viewed as a reach mostly due to health reasons, was picked 18th overall, while Domonique Orange arrived on Day 2. Banks is supposed to be an overall threat, while Orange’s strengths certainly lie in the running game.
Banks had to undergo foot surgery in March and was held out of the spring practices. His health will be a major item to monitor. And if he’s back to start camp, how quickly can he rise on the depth chart?
OLB: Is there any backup stepping up?
Not just the interior defenders underwent change; the outside linebacker position did as well. Jonathan Greenard, arguably the team’s best defensive player, was sent to Philadelphia in exchange for a couple of third-round picks.
That takes a significant force out of the equation, but opens the door for 2024 first-rounder Dallas Turner to get more playing time. He’s set to enter the starting lineup next to Andrew Van Ginkel.
Unfortunately, that’s about it with NFL-caliber pass-rushers on the roster. The Vikings either need a depth player to step up or invest some cash to hire more help. Bo Richter, Chaz Chambliss, and Tyler Batty are all former undrafted pass-rushers who have mostly made a living on special teams.
MLB: Does Jake Golday need more time?
Linebacker Jake Golday is another talented rookie who’s aiming to secure a role under Brian Flores’ watch. His competition is tough, as starters Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson return for a second season together. Ivan Pace, a demoted starter, is also around, trying to convince the staff that he deserves another opportunity.
Cincinnati product Golday has the size and quickness to be a force, but it’s unclear whether he can be that in his rookie season. Another aspect is his versatility. He started his college journey as an edge-rusher and could get some run there.
CB: Is James Pierre more than a backup?
For the first time in years, the Vikings actually have some cornerback depth. Returning starters Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy are joined by free-agent addition James Pierre, who has spent his entire career with the Steelers.
Pierre is coming off a good season and could threaten Rodgers, a guy who was quietly benched last year due to some tackling woes. Ultimately, one of the two will join Murphy on the field, while the other is a rotational piece. Rookie Charles Demmings has gotten some buzz, but a fifth-round rookie is unlikely to unseat them.
S: Josh Metellus and?
This rookie, however, could make some noise. Third-rounder Jakobe Thomas is in a prime position to snag a starting role, as that position group is unsolidified. Harrison Smith has not returned ahead of training camp. It remains to be seen if his career is over or if he’ll give it another shot.
Joshua Metellus is set, but the veteran needs a running mate. Outside of Thomas, that could be either Jay Ward or Theo Jackson. Both started games last year. Jackson did for the most part, but Ward was slowly carving into his reps and his arrow was clearly pointing up.
It’s certainly one of the most fascinating battles in Vikings training camp.
Bonus: Punting Battle?
The Vikings lost punter Ryan Wright in free agency. The 2022 undrafted rookie got paid by the New Orleans Saints.
To replace him, the Vikings grabbed veteran Johnny Hekker. Once an elite punter in the business, Hekker had a couple of slower seasons and at 36, he might not be able to rekindle his magic. He’ll be joined by undrafted rookie Brett Thorson, who has a booming leg but didn’t hold in college.
The holding element will be a big part of the competition. If Will Reichard, Minnesota’s only first-team All-Pro, isn’t finding a connection with a punter, that guy won’t be on the roster by September.
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